[GreenKeys] Teletype Oil (Ad Nauseum)

[Keelan Lightfoot]

I've been reading the GreenKeys archives, and It's surprising how often the topic of oil comes up here. Without re-opening the subject for debate, I just wanted to throw something out to the group.

Faced with oiling some oil hungry M28's, I began the search for oil. I can't stand the smell of 3-in-1 (Citronella? Really?!), but it looked like it was the only light weight oil available locally. I'm a purist at heart, and can't stand the thought of putting modern multi-grade engine oil with all of it's unknown detergents and additives on a teletype. Every store seems to carry 30W non-detergent, but that's a bit thick for a teletype; at least in my climate. I was surprised at how hard it is to find simple no-shenanigans oil locally. 

While trying to search my local copy of the GreenKeys archives for an answer, I fat fingered my query and accidentally searched all of my e-mail. A "what kind of oil" discussion came up on a South Bend metal lathe mailing list that I subscribe to. The answer? Basic anti-wear hydraulic fluid. The next day, I picked up a gallon of anti-wear ISO 46 hydraulic oil at Canadian Tire (eh), which is close to SAE 15W oil in terms of viscosity.

The oil is a nice light straw colour, has no smell, and contains very little extra 'stuff'. Now my teletypes don't need to smell like rancid lemons soaked in used motor oil, and at $16 a gallon (compared to $6 for 3 fl oz of the stinky stuff) I'm saving money in the long run too!

Just thought I'd share.

- Keelan